My BG 2.0 has a date 9/17/2024 and I haven't had any RSA issues. This is what my spring look like.
That is definitely a new and improved version.
My BG2 was purchased early August.
Bodyguard 2.0 Owners: Impressions after a few months?
- Thread starter ImDrRich
- Start date
That is definitely a new and improved version.
My BG2 was purchased early August.
halfmoonclip
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2003
- Messages
- 265
- Reaction score
- 241
The trigger dongle is there to prevent a discharge from a muzzle-up drop. It prevents the inertia of the trigger from firing the gun. It would take more than a 'brush' to actually fire the gun.
The smooth trigger face, unlike the dongle on, say a Glock, feels just fine to me.
Moon
UPDATE: January 5, 2025
I bought the BG2 in early August. I have less than 500 rounds through it. SKU 13927 - Box Dated: 073124
I have experienced some of the reported issues out of the box:
- Front and rear sights are NOT aligned properly and commonly shooting low-left.
- 12-round mag with defective follower – hangups up at 3 round
- Mags very difficult or impossible to fully load
- Fully loaded mags cause failure to feed when installed with the slide closed
- Extremely difficult to rack
- Some bullet style ammo will not feed properly
- Defective 2-stage feed ramps that need ridges removed and polished
- Defective spring assembly preventing guide rod to be seated in the end of the slide
- Parts following off or parts completely missing
My experience with S&W Customer Service, regarding the Spring Assembly/Guide rod and the 12-round mag follower, was very unprofessional with no empathy and obviously did not care about my feedback.
Yesterday I shot Magtech FMJ, PCM Bronze FMJ, Sig V-Crown JHP, Hornady Critical Defense FTX, Hornady Custom XTP, Hornady FTX, Federal HST Personal Defense JHP, and Winchester PDX1 JHP, with ZERO failures. I have not tried Winchester 95 gr FMJ Flat Nose.
I would have preferred a bright green front sight. The wide rear sight slot is OK for me for a defense situation. For practicing at the range, a narrower slot would be better for POA at beyond 5 yards. I painted the top of the rear sight with bright white fingernail polish to see if I helps my old eyes to find the rear sight quicker. I would also prefer a blade style trigger safety. The flat padal trigger safety is wider than the trigger. I still need to correct the front and rear sight alignment. When I get to about 1000 rounds with zero failures this will most likely be my preferred CC and EDC in my pocket with a Muddy River Tactical kydex holster.
I bought the BG2 in early August. I have less than 500 rounds through it. SKU 13927 - Box Dated: 073124
I have experienced some of the reported issues out of the box:
- Front and rear sights are NOT aligned properly and commonly shooting low-left.
- 12-round mag with defective follower – hangups up at 3 round
- Mags very difficult or impossible to fully load
- Fully loaded mags cause failure to feed when installed with the slide closed
- Extremely difficult to rack
- Some bullet style ammo will not feed properly
- Defective 2-stage feed ramps that need ridges removed and polished
- Defective spring assembly preventing guide rod to be seated in the end of the slide
- Parts following off or parts completely missing
My experience with S&W Customer Service, regarding the Spring Assembly/Guide rod and the 12-round mag follower, was very unprofessional with no empathy and obviously did not care about my feedback.
Yesterday I shot Magtech FMJ, PCM Bronze FMJ, Sig V-Crown JHP, Hornady Critical Defense FTX, Hornady Custom XTP, Hornady FTX, Federal HST Personal Defense JHP, and Winchester PDX1 JHP, with ZERO failures. I have not tried Winchester 95 gr FMJ Flat Nose.
I would have preferred a bright green front sight. The wide rear sight slot is OK for me for a defense situation. For practicing at the range, a narrower slot would be better for POA at beyond 5 yards. I painted the top of the rear sight with bright white fingernail polish to see if I helps my old eyes to find the rear sight quicker. I would also prefer a blade style trigger safety. The flat padal trigger safety is wider than the trigger. I still need to correct the front and rear sight alignment. When I get to about 1000 rounds with zero failures this will most likely be my preferred CC and EDC in my pocket with a Muddy River Tactical kydex holster.
Attachments
Last edited:
geeollie
Member
For general interest I'm wondering about the history of "issues" this model has with the production time frame.
Purely from various posts it sounds as if the feed ramp ridge and the recoil spring assembly might be fixed sometime around October of 2024. Some seem to still have trouble with mis-aligned sights right up to today.
If posters could post their build date or date of included cartridge along with their issues, it would be interesting to see if any improvement are being made by S&W. OR not!!
Purely from various posts it sounds as if the feed ramp ridge and the recoil spring assembly might be fixed sometime around October of 2024. Some seem to still have trouble with mis-aligned sights right up to today.
If posters could post their build date or date of included cartridge along with their issues, it would be interesting to see if any improvement are being made by S&W. OR not!!
agksimon
Member
S&W sent me a new guide rod that works perfectly and the customer service person was very courteous.
I replaced the front and rear sights to what I like and it shoots right to POA.
I removed the bumps from the feed ramps and it now feeds everything.
I use a slide racker to assist these 80 year old hands.
Using a Maglula, I can fully load all my magazines.
I can load a magazine into a closed slide by really pushing hard on it and the gun fires and loads fine.
I fixed the magazine problem by clipping and sanding the bottom of the followers on all six of my magazines.
In spite of the problems it came with, I was able to rectify all of them and fully trust my life with it. Even Underwood Xtreme Defender has been foolproof since loading them with two points of contact going into the chamber.
Thanks for the info.
What front and rear sights did you go with?
Also, what do you mean by "since loading them with two points of contact going into the chamber"? That wasn't happening before?
Last edited:
agksimon
Member
Sights are now available for the BG2.0.
Two points of contact on the feed ramp by loading the rounds with two high points downward toward the mag follower, see photo.
Attachments
UPDATE: 02-13-2025
At purchase: The gun store and range only had one available in early August. It had no thumb safety and had been shot in their in-range "gun rental" program. The range armorer had worked on the chamber feed ramp. It appears it was polished. The narrow pre-ramp did not have the ridge that has been identified on other posts.
Guide Rod Spring Assembly: Since "gunsmithing" the spring on the guide rod by removing the spring and cutting off 3/8" of the twisted end of top of the spring and cutting off 3/8" of the bottom end of the spring, the issue of inserting the guide rod spring assembly is fixed.
Magazine: I still cannot fully load the 10 or 12-round mags, so I'm running with one less. On the first range day with it, I had one issue with a 12-round mag with 11 rounds and attempting pop the mag into a closed slide. I'm waiting for a MagGuts kit.
Ammo: I have less than 200 rounds and have had zero issues with Winchester PDX1 Defender BJHP, Sig Elite JHP, Hornaday XTP & FTX, Federal HST JHP, PMC FMJ, Magtech FMJ, and Winchester Flat Nose. I will not run Underwood Xtreme Defender type ammo.
Slide Rack: Modifying the guide rod spring has helped to lower the grip and force required to rack the slide. Adding a Talon Grip to the rear of the slide made a big difference.
Sights: I have drifted the front sight to partially correct the low/left. After bench testing the POI at 7 yards it is now about 2" left and 1" low. I will drift the front sight just a tad more and bench test again.
Aftermarket Guide Rod: I tried the Galloway Precision SS -10%, but it did not allow the slide to move fully forward (battery) with spring pressure and it did not appear to lessen the force to rack the slide. I'm sticking with my modified factory guide rod.
To certify this to be my RAT (Reliable And Trustworthy) pocket carry. I will put about 300 more rounds through it. If I have zero failures, I will "certify" it.
I really like this handgun. It's small size, light weight, round capacity, grip, and feel in my hand makes this my first choice for a highly concealable and comfortable pocket carry defense firearm.
At purchase: The gun store and range only had one available in early August. It had no thumb safety and had been shot in their in-range "gun rental" program. The range armorer had worked on the chamber feed ramp. It appears it was polished. The narrow pre-ramp did not have the ridge that has been identified on other posts.
Guide Rod Spring Assembly: Since "gunsmithing" the spring on the guide rod by removing the spring and cutting off 3/8" of the twisted end of top of the spring and cutting off 3/8" of the bottom end of the spring, the issue of inserting the guide rod spring assembly is fixed.
Magazine: I still cannot fully load the 10 or 12-round mags, so I'm running with one less. On the first range day with it, I had one issue with a 12-round mag with 11 rounds and attempting pop the mag into a closed slide. I'm waiting for a MagGuts kit.
Ammo: I have less than 200 rounds and have had zero issues with Winchester PDX1 Defender BJHP, Sig Elite JHP, Hornaday XTP & FTX, Federal HST JHP, PMC FMJ, Magtech FMJ, and Winchester Flat Nose. I will not run Underwood Xtreme Defender type ammo.
Slide Rack: Modifying the guide rod spring has helped to lower the grip and force required to rack the slide. Adding a Talon Grip to the rear of the slide made a big difference.
Sights: I have drifted the front sight to partially correct the low/left. After bench testing the POI at 7 yards it is now about 2" left and 1" low. I will drift the front sight just a tad more and bench test again.
Aftermarket Guide Rod: I tried the Galloway Precision SS -10%, but it did not allow the slide to move fully forward (battery) with spring pressure and it did not appear to lessen the force to rack the slide. I'm sticking with my modified factory guide rod.
To certify this to be my RAT (Reliable And Trustworthy) pocket carry. I will put about 300 more rounds through it. If I have zero failures, I will "certify" it.
I really like this handgun. It's small size, light weight, round capacity, grip, and feel in my hand makes this my first choice for a highly concealable and comfortable pocket carry defense firearm.
Last edited:
agksimon
Member
The only thing I'd be concerned with in cutting the recoil spring is the power of the ammo pushing the slide into the frame with such force as to eventually cause damage to the frame.
Hmmm... I'm trying to understand the physics of what you are describing. The actual amount of spring that I cut off is minimal. If it reduced the kinetic energy created by a locked back slide, springs fully compressed, then energy absorbed by the frame from the mass of the forward moving slide would be less - not more. With that thinking, then the Galloway guide rod could be a concern at a -10%.
Is my thinking all wrong?
Last edited:
agksimon
Member
Hmmm... I'm trying to understand the physics of what you are describing. The actual amount of spring that I cut off is minimal. If it reduced the kinetic energy created by a locked back slide, springs fully compressed, then energy absorbed by the frame from the mass of the forward moving slide would be less - not more. With that thinking, then the Galloway guide rod could be concern at a -10%.
Is my thinking all wrong?
I'm talking about the slide slamming backwards into the frame when firing. I've seen fellow shooters play with different weight springs and powder loads and a gun with a light spring and factory power load causes the ejected casing to fly 12-15 feet and slam the slide into the frame. That's why some manufacturers tell you not to run +P ammo in a particluar gun. It wears it out prematurely, the Bodyguard 2.0 being one of them. Of course a thin barrel like they use is another issue.
Yes... I understand the reciprocal force on the slide. I can measure the difference between the factory guide rod and the one I modified. I will guess that the difference is less than 10%.
If the stress caused by what you describe is a concern for damage to the frame, I would be way more concerned about the potential damage to all the little parts that are subjected to and absorbing the energy from a rearward slamming of the slide.
It would be interesting to have a conversation with the design engineers at Galloway Precision about their guide rod with 3 options on "spring pressure"... +10%, OEM, and -10%.
I probably could be tagged with the OCD condition regarding mentality of "safety". I clean, lube, and carefully inspect my defense firearms after every use.
If the stress caused by what you describe is a concern for damage to the frame, I would be way more concerned about the potential damage to all the little parts that are subjected to and absorbing the energy from a rearward slamming of the slide.
It would be interesting to have a conversation with the design engineers at Galloway Precision about their guide rod with 3 options on "spring pressure"... +10%, OEM, and -10%.
I probably could be tagged with the OCD condition regarding mentality of "safety". I clean, lube, and carefully inspect my defense firearms after every use.
With the list of issues with this handgun, you raise a very important point regarding reliability. It will be interesting to track any and all published reports, anecdotal experiences, and comments on the reliability of the BG2.
agksimon
Member
I have one of the first ones made, purchased in mid-July 2024. I removed the speed "bumps" on the feed ramp, installed a Galloway OEM strength recoil spring and honed the feed ramps and the chamber, not because of any problems I had, but for peace of mind. The only problem I had was with feeding with Underwood Xtreme ammo, which was remedied by loading it with two high points downward toward the feed ramp. Mine runs perfect.
Last edited:
Other than the front sight being off from POA/POI, mine is running great. I have not opted to install the XS Sights yet.
I want to "test" my accuracy at 4 and 7 yards. I will test it at 25 yards next range visit. If I can get 3 consecutive shots into the A zone at 4 and 7 yards, and 3 consecutive shots into the C zone at 25 yards, I'm good.
When Armalaser releases their trigger guard green laser, and I can test it with 50 rounds, I will be doing a happy dance at the range.
I want to "test" my accuracy at 4 and 7 yards. I will test it at 25 yards next range visit. If I can get 3 consecutive shots into the A zone at 4 and 7 yards, and 3 consecutive shots into the C zone at 25 yards, I'm good.
When Armalaser releases their trigger guard green laser, and I can test it with 50 rounds, I will be doing a happy dance at the range.
I'm aware of a company called XS that makes them but I was wondering if you would share the ones you installed as you said you like them and the gun now shoots POA.
Got it, makes sense now, I wasn't following what you were saying.
I've been giving this gun a hard look the past few weeks and almost bought it, three times actually, first from Cabela's, then from my LGS which had one for rent (which I shot a box through) and a new one for sale although a little pricey, and then speaking with my FFL a couple days ago he has one NIB for $420 OTD. Although I'm not the biggest fan of the 380s performance I really like this gun's look, feel and the way it shoots. The one I shot felt great and was accurate, had no FTFs, didn't care for the sights though as rear is too wide and front could be a little brighter. Bought a Shield Plus a couple years ago and IMO it's about perfect as far as a carry piece goes. Looking at the BG2.0 I thought it would be a no brainer, that the quality and performance would be there, but the more I learn about it the more I'm hesitant. Maybe I'm still early and should let more time pass to see if S&W addresses some more of these issues we're hearing about, these could be growing pains that get resolved in the next year or so, I don't know, but I do know I don't like to hear about reliability issues particularly with a carry gun.
FYI, a couple posts up you mentioned you purchased in mid-July 2025 and since we're not there yet it's clear you meant 2024 but you may want to change it
agksimon
Member
FYI, a couple posts up you mentioned you purchased in mid-July 2025 and since we're not there yet it's clear you meant 2024 but you may want to change it
Done, thanks.
Cheyenne WYO
Member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
- Messages
- 187
- Reaction score
- 215
As I said in another post, mine is dated 070324, and it has the ramp with the ridge. I have not done any modifications to the gun except to add the XS R3D 2.0 sights. I sometimes have to fiddle with the recoil springs to get the gun back together. I now can load 10 round magazines without a tool but need a tool to put the last round in a 12 round magazine. I shot a few hundred rounds when I first got it and was impressed with the gun but not the accuracy due to the wide notch in the rear sight and the small, low visibility front sight. The lack of accuracy also made follow-up shots much slower. I let it rest for a few months and picked it up again after installing the XS sights, which have made a huge difference. Hitting a 3X5 index card at 15 yards is not that hard with a little bit of concentration. I've shot about 300 rounds since putting on the new sights, and accuracy and speed have greatly improved. The gun has been reliable except for a couple of light strikes with handloads that had some component tolerance stacking issues during the loading process.
I don't have a specific performance requirement that is tied to purely objective standards. Of course, the gun has to be reliable. That includes limp wrist tests with strong and support hand only, plus accuracy testing, target transitions, fast pairs and triples at various distances. I will compare it to a current carry gun to determine if it is comparable or provides some advantages or edge in certain respects to make up for the disadvantages of being a small gun in a barely adequate caliber (and, only then, with the right ammo). I have to be able to answer in the affirmative that it is something that I am willing to be carrying when confronted with a really bad scenario. All in all, I have confidence in this gun at this time in terms of both what the gun can do and what I can do with it. I certainly could make a very good score on the qualification that the local PD uses for duty guns. (Maybe the COF is too easy.) However, I am still learning the BG2, and it will get the bulk of my range time for the foreseeable future to see if it will disappoint in some fashion. It is a fun gun to shoot. I want to shoot it a lot! I ordered even more 10 round magazines and a kydex IWB holster. (At this time, I prefer to dry fire only from the Alabama pocket holster.)
My main concern is the stability of the new sights. The installation instructions require the use of a thread locker along the slide to sight seams, although XS said you could zero them just by using the set screw in the rear sight before locking them. Well, with just the set screw in place, the rear sight moved slightly in the dovetail with just finger pressure after just 30 rounds. They are locked down with the supplied thread locker now, but it remains to be seen if they will stay in place. A second concern is that these tiny guns get very dirty with powder residue, including the magazines. I may be having to clean the magazines, something I rarely do with other guns' magazines unless they get mud, snow and/or gravel in them.
If I have trouble with the gun, I will let you know. If it continues to run well, I will buy another one and buy some more aftermarket sights for it.
Here is a video that I enjoyed. This guy has a lot of fun with the gun. I am not that good and never will be. But, I am working on it and I have spare time and ammo. Enjoy.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSl9V6rV1Ok[/ame]
I don't have a specific performance requirement that is tied to purely objective standards. Of course, the gun has to be reliable. That includes limp wrist tests with strong and support hand only, plus accuracy testing, target transitions, fast pairs and triples at various distances. I will compare it to a current carry gun to determine if it is comparable or provides some advantages or edge in certain respects to make up for the disadvantages of being a small gun in a barely adequate caliber (and, only then, with the right ammo). I have to be able to answer in the affirmative that it is something that I am willing to be carrying when confronted with a really bad scenario. All in all, I have confidence in this gun at this time in terms of both what the gun can do and what I can do with it. I certainly could make a very good score on the qualification that the local PD uses for duty guns. (Maybe the COF is too easy.) However, I am still learning the BG2, and it will get the bulk of my range time for the foreseeable future to see if it will disappoint in some fashion. It is a fun gun to shoot. I want to shoot it a lot! I ordered even more 10 round magazines and a kydex IWB holster. (At this time, I prefer to dry fire only from the Alabama pocket holster.)
My main concern is the stability of the new sights. The installation instructions require the use of a thread locker along the slide to sight seams, although XS said you could zero them just by using the set screw in the rear sight before locking them. Well, with just the set screw in place, the rear sight moved slightly in the dovetail with just finger pressure after just 30 rounds. They are locked down with the supplied thread locker now, but it remains to be seen if they will stay in place. A second concern is that these tiny guns get very dirty with powder residue, including the magazines. I may be having to clean the magazines, something I rarely do with other guns' magazines unless they get mud, snow and/or gravel in them.
If I have trouble with the gun, I will let you know. If it continues to run well, I will buy another one and buy some more aftermarket sights for it.
Here is a video that I enjoyed. This guy has a lot of fun with the gun. I am not that good and never will be. But, I am working on it and I have spare time and ammo. Enjoy.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSl9V6rV1Ok[/ame]
agksimon
Member
I cobbled my own sight set together a few months ago using two sets of TruGlo sights. The rear one is for the original Bodyguard and just required the usual fitting by sanding the bottom and it also has a set screw and it has held up very well. The front one was made for the EZ9 and was close, but could be pushed through with your thumb. I took a chance and used Permatex Orange Threadlocker in the channel. It's rated at three times stronger than the Blue, but unlike Red, it's not permanent. It has held the front sight just as well as if I had driven it in with a punch or sight tool and I am now approaching a thousand rounds and it has not moved a bit. Try some and see if it works for you. They make it in liquid and a gel, I used the gel.
Attachments
Nice gunsmithing!
Thanks for the hot tips.
It looks like a serious PC defense pistol.
At 1,000 rounds with zero failures... I would certify it as my RAT handgun.
